Independent mobility is paramount to the quality of life for seniors. A senior’s gait and ability to rise comfortably from a chair, as well as walk and balance, are necessary for independent mobility. As one ages, their walking speed declines, especially after age 70. The speed of walking is known as gait velocity, which is a predictor of chronic medical conditions, hospitalizations, and even mortality. Calf muscles propel the body forward, and their strength lessens in older years. Many factors may affect the gait of older adults, including neurologic disorders like dementia, and musculoskeletal conditions, such as spinal stenosis. Seniors can participate in an exercise program that focuses on flexibility, strengthening, and balance to do what they can to maintain a good gait. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help you ensure the best biomechanics of the feet for a happier, healthier life.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a type of arthritis that causes a gradual deterioration of the cartilage in joints. It is common in the feet, and it can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis in the feet can happen from injury to the feet and chronic inflammation in a joint that results in wear and tear of the cartilage covering the joint. While there is no cure for OA, there are lifestyle changes and other options that may provide relief. Among them are low-impact exercises to build muscle and strengthen joints, maintaining a healthy body weight, and using orthotics in shoes. Surgery is also a possible treatment option for OA in the feet. Complications can arise from not treating OA, such as the development of bunions, calluses and corns, hallux rigidus, or stiffness in the big toe. If you suffer from osteoarthritis and it is causing pain in your feet or interfering with the quality of your life, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options that may make you more comfortable.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a particular kind of fungal infection that can be transmitted by walking barefoot in warm, moist environments. As a result of the condition, a patient can present a scaly, red rash that itches. Many patients are often curious to know whether or not this foot condition is particularly prevalent in places such as yoga studios. There are several things that you might consider being on the lookout for the next time you go to a yoga studio. Sharing yoga mats with others without properly cleaning them could potentially increase your risk of developing athlete’s foot. Additionally, some yoga studios have locker rooms where individuals can leave their shoes in lockers. However, walking around barefoot in these spaces can significantly increase one’s risk of spreading athlete’s foot. It is best to consider avoiding walking around barefoot in these locker rooms. If you are worried about developing athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist today. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people work in jobs that have them standing, walking, and even running on their feet for long periods on surfaces that may be slippery. In such cases, having footwear with non-slip soles can help to prevent pain, injury, and falls. The Centers for Disease Control has found that trips, slips, and falls are the third most common type of non-fatal workplace injury. Experts say that a slip-resistant shoe can help to reduce the chances of injury on the job. These shoes should have rubber soles and deep treads that improve the grip on the floor. Rubber offers more friction between the shoe and the floor, which decreases the chances of a slip or fall. Grooves in the sole of the shoe offer further gripping protection. But not all grooves are created equal. A pattern with grooves that are parallel can be less effective than one with a crisscross pattern. To find out more about the proper footwear for your job, it is suggested that you meet with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The reasons behind toe pain can consist of having nerve damage or enduring an injury. It may also happen from a joint deformity, such as hammertoe, and may reduce the ability to walk and stand comfortably. Many people have arthritis, and the toe joints may become inflamed, often causing severe toe pain. Additionally, gout is another form of arthritis and happens when excess uric acid in the blood converts to crystals that form in the joints of the big toe. This condition can develop from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. A source of pain can be a bunion, which is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. This generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift together, and it may be uncomfortable while wearing shoes. If you have pain in your toes for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you a proper diagnosis and correct treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle is a common injury. There are various reasons why this can occur, including enduring a fall, having excessive pressure placed on the ankle, or from ligament damage. The tibia, fibula, and talus are the common areas of the ankle that can become fractured. If the ankle is suddenly twisted, or a heavy object falls on it, these may be additional reasons why ankle bones can break. Symptoms that are associated with this condition often include immediate pain, and there may be extensive swelling. Many patients are unable to walk with a broken ankle, and an X-ray can be taken to determine its severity. Recovery time can take a few weeks or even months, and patients may have a walking boot or cast on their foot during the healing process. This is helpful in stabilizing the foot, and it can provide ease in completing daily activities. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and choose the correct treatment method for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Castillo from Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The heel is generally the first thing that hits the ground when you take a step. Since walking is something that people do throughout the day, heel pain can easily develop. And if you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, just walking from one room to another can become painful. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Tiny tears cause swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially in the back of the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue that runs under the sole of the foot develops tears, causing extreme pain felt mainly in the heel. It is thought to be an overuse injury, largely the result of overtraining. Plus, bone spurs can develop along with plantar fasciitis, increasing the pain felt when walking. A number of other conditions can cause heel pain when you walk. Included are bursitis, stress fractures, and compression of the nerves at the back of the ankle and heel. If heel pain while walking becomes persistent or worsens, it is suggested that you seek the attention of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. It causes this nerve to become compressed, and it can happen from frequently wearing high heels. These types of shoes can have inadequate room for the toes to move freely in, and can cause a stabbing or burning sensation between these toes. Some patients also report they feel as if there is a small rock or marble that is in the shoe, and walking may become difficult. The pain may subside when shoes are worn with a larger toe area, and physical activities are temporarily ceased. Additionally, the affected foot may feel better when extra weight is lost, if applicable, and soft insoles are worn in the shoes. If you have pain in this area of your foot, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Castillo of Bronx Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bronx, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.